The government is set to implement new regulations that will restrict the sale of vapes and cigarettes to only licensed shops in an effort to crack down on unauthorized sellers.
Additionally, officials are examining the variety of flavors and ingredients in vapes to deter young individuals from picking up smoking. Health Minister Stephen Kinnock emphasized the importance of requiring shops to obtain a license to sell tobacco, vapes, and nicotine products to protect children and eliminate illicit products sold by rogue retailers.
Proposals include imposing hefty fines or immediate penalties on those found selling products without a license. The proposed Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to create a smoke-free generation and prevent young people from developing a lifelong addiction.
Recent research conducted by King’s College London and University College London suggested that packaging vapes in plain packaging could significantly reduce the appeal to children. Findings revealed that the interest in trying vapes decreased from 53% to 38% when presented with plain packaging and flavor descriptions instead of branded packaging and flavors.
